o propagate sedum, the easiest method is to take stem cuttings in spring or early summer, removing the lower leaves, and simply planting them directly into well-draining potting mix; sedums root very easily and quickly, often producing new growth within a couple of weeks.
Key steps for propagating sedum with stem cuttings:
Choose healthy stems: Select healthy, non-flowering stems from the plant.
Take cuttings: Cut a 3-4 inch section of the stem, ensuring at least one leaf node remains on the cutting.
Remove lower leaves: Pinch off the bottom leaves from the stem cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
Prepare the soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally with added sand or perlite for extra drainage.
Plant the cuttings: Make small holes in the soil and insert the cuttings, ensuring the nodes are buried slightly beneath the surface.
Water lightly: Give the cuttings a gentle watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Alternative propagation methods:
Division: In early spring, carefully dig up established sedum plants and gently separate the clumps into smaller divisions with roots attached.
Offsets: Some sedum varieties produce small “offsets” or baby plants around the base of the main plant which can be carefully removed and potted up individually.
Leaf cuttings: While less common, you can also try rooting individual leaves by placing them on the surface of moist potting mix, but success may be less consistent.
Important considerations:
Timing: The best time to propagate sedum is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Rooting hormone: While not strictly necessary, using a rooting hormone can slightly increase the success rate of rooting cuttings.
Light and temperature: Place newly propagated sedum in a bright location with indirect sunlight and maintain a warm temperature.